Friends and Neighbours enjoyed a nostalgic and memorable Mystery Trip as part of their Programme to Forest of Dean Railway and Abbey Mill in Tintern for Lunch.

Some 50 members and Volunteers from the group arrived at Forest of Dean Railway at Norchard Station having time to look around the well looked after detailed museum documenting the history of the lines and other local lines around the Forest of Dean.

Some enjoyed chatting to the volunteers who looked after the museum answering any questions.

Some of the members enjoyed a hot drink with a delicious cake and some looked around the well stocked shop with plenty of souvenirs.

We all boarded the train with those less able bodied being helped on via the ramp with their scooters and aids etc .We had a reserved carriage we settled down and before we knew it the whistle went.

It was a very friendly railway and the volunteer on the train gave us a short talk which he did very well telling us the history and the renovations done over the years.

As we steamed along to the many different villages and stopped at Parkend and Whitecroft some got off and looked around the stations taking in the attractive views and countryside whole experience for many was authentic and nostalgic as many were heard to be saying ''I used to go here with the children'' or ''I haven't done this since I was a girl".

Some took in a hot drink or glass of wine from the well stocked buffet bar.

Then we passed through Lydney Town and Lydney Junction and arrived back in Norchard after some nearly two hours on the train.

We then set off to the Abbey Mill Wye Valley Centre for lunch taking in the many lovely views as the bus travelled through the many dotted villages.

We arrived at the attractive Restaurant which is set in the original Old Mill Buildings which served Tintern Abbey.

The tables in the restaurant were very attractively set and we all sat down feeling very hungry after our journey.

We had a starter with a choice of home made soup or pate followed by a carvery served with all the trimmings with dessert and tea/coffee to follow.

Some of the group took the time to look around the craft shops scattered around the grounds and some sat outside taking in the sunshine and beautiful views.

As they returned they chatted about their day and how much they had enjoyed the day and ''can we go again?''

Next meeting is in September when there will be a Fashion Show with''Bonmarche'' with some of the members as models.Contact 01446 400044